Macheda bemused by Moyes exclusion

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Federico Macheda has told the Daily Telegraph he expects to leave Manchester United when his contract expires in the summer, and is at a loss as to why David Moyes has not given him more of an opportunity at Old Trafford.

The striker, 22, who is currently on loan at Birmingham City, sprung to prominence when he scored a dramatic injury-time winner on his United debut against Aston Villa in 2009, and then scored another decider against Sunderland six days later.

But since playing a pivotal role in helping United to become 2008-09 Premier League champions, Macheda - who then signed a lucrative contract - has only scored three more goals for the club, failing to build on the initial promise he showed.

Macheda has been loaned out to Sampdoria, QPR, Stuttgart, Doncaster and now Birmingham, and believes that he will leave Old Trafford when his current deal comes to an end.

"I don't think I will stay at United but whatever happens, nobody can take away the memories of my time there," he said.

Macheda, who joined United from Lazio at 15, said that he has had little contact with manager Moyes, who soon decided he was not in his plans.

"I didn't go on pre-season this summer and I don't know why," he continued. "I haven't had that much to do with [Moyes] because he has been working with the first team.

"I've been left out from the team and, of course, that was disappointing, but you can understand a new manager wanting to work with new players.

"He made his choice and I went my way, everyone was happy. I spoke with him before I came here. I said I wanted to go to Birmingham and he agreed, so that was that."

But even though he has not played for United since 2012, he said former manager Sir Alex Ferguson has continued to offer his support after a matchwinning display against Charlton.

"Sir Alex was amazing for me, he believed in me so much," he added. "After I scored two goals against Charlton last month he sent me a text message straight after the game.

"That was incredible because I hadn't spoken to him for a long time so to get that text was a relief. He said 'well done and keep going'."